Dear Wake County Citizen:
Three years ago our campaign was in full swing. You and many others were working hard sacrificing your time and money because you agreed with us that it was Time for a Change at the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
You just don’t know how much I appreciate those sacrifices, the faith you had in me and our campaign. For that I am most thankful and will never forget what my father told me: “If you see a turtle sitting on a fence, you know he didn’t get there by himself.” Thank you for helping me get where I am today.
Former Sheriff wants his old job back
In 2005, however, we face the same opponent again. Yes, the former Sheriff wants his old job back. He’s outlined his campaign plans, sent out fundraising letters, held campaign meetings and fundraisers. He is serious about winning back this office and thus returning the Wake County Sheriff’s Office to the tired old politics of the past.
As you know this is going to be a critical campaign. There will be no major national or state race on the ballot in 2006 to motivate a large voter turnout. I believe the Sheriff’s race will be one of the most important decisions for the voters. It is critical that we reach out to our voters and motivate them to turn out for this important election.
Not just change, but progress
In 2002, Wake County voters said they wanted changes at the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. During the past 3 years we’ve worked day and night to put the SO above partisan politics. We have fulfilled the promises we made to:
- improve jail operations-Hammond Road now houses over 400 prisoners instead of 23; your police officers spend less time booking prisoners so they are back on your streets protecting you;
- implement a Special Response Team to respond to school emergencies and other critical incidents (August 2003);
- expand the K-9 team-we now have 3 patrol dogs, 3 drug dogs, and 2 bloodhounds-much of the program funded by generous contributions from corporate and private donors (August 2003);
- create a Citizens Well-check program for the elderly and disabled who live alone (July 2003).
In addition to meeting the goals we set forth in 2002, we have:
- for the first time in 13 years, brought the Sheriff’s Office to full complement, filling the over 70 vacancies we had when we first took office;
- put in place a hiring process that treats each applicant fairly;
- developed a promotional process to ensure fairness and consistency;
- deployed an Impact Team for Highway Drug Interdiction and to work High Crime/Drug areas;
- sponsored a Law Enforcement Adventure Camp for middle school students;
- continued to look for ways to be an even better steward of your tax dollar.
As you can see, we have been busy since December 2002, keeping the promises we made to the citizens of Wake County. You and many others made it possible for me to win the Sheriff’s race and initiate these steps toward positive change. Together we have made a difference. In 2006 voters must decide if they like the progress we have made or if they want to turn back the clock to the tired old policies of the past administration.
Are you ready for the challenge ahead of us?
The most daunting task is raising $250,000 to fund the campaign. It’s critical for us to start building our war chest so we can campaign next fall without having to ask for money everyday. I would like to have $100,000 by January 1, 2006.
I do hope you are ready for this challenge because I am going to need your help. I am going to have to rely on you like never before because we are going to have to work harder than ever in this political campaign.
Your check today for $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 will set the pace for our campaign. We all know that my opponent will stop at nothing to win next year. That’s why your check right now is so important. Please send what you can. Your donation will get us on the right track for another election victory.
Let’s work together and make 2006 another successful year. It is an honor and a privilege to be your Sheriff. It is a responsibility that I take seriously, and if you have any suggestions as to how we can better serve the citizens of this county, please drop me a note or give me a call, 856.6900.
Sincerely,
Donnie Harrison
Wake County Sheriff
P.S. Our philosophy at the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is-the citizens of Wake County are not an interruption of our day, but the purpose of it. If you ever need us or know of somebody who does, do not hesitate to call.